10 Underrated Books of 2023 You Should Read Now

The year is winding down, and we’re beginning to look back on 2023’s literary landscape. While some books inevitably garner more attention, there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This year, in particular, has seen a wealth of incredible Irish writing that deserves widespread acclaim.

To shine a light on these often-overlooked titles, we’ve compiled a list of ten exceptional books from 2023 that captured our attention and are sure to captivate readers.

Poetry Perfect: A Dive into 2023’s Poetry Collections

“Joy in Service on Rue Tagore” by Paul Muldoon: Irish literary giant Paul Muldoon delivers another masterclass in poetry with “Joy in Service on Rue Tagore.” This collection harkens back to the sharp wit and biting commentary of his early work, tackling themes ranging from Putin’s demagoguery to the complexities of Northern Ireland’s sectarian history.

For fans of: John Ashbery’s Planisphere, Seamus Heaney’s Station Island and WS Merwin’s The Shadow of Sirius

“Rapture’s Road” by Seán Hewitt: Known for his prolific output, poet Seán Hewitt has added another gem to his repertoire with “Rapture’s Road.” This collection showcases Hewitt’s signature blend of wry humor, mysticism, and a profound connection to the natural world.

For fans of: Jorie Graham’s To 2040, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ Sonnets of Desolation and Richard Scott’s Soho

“Devotion” by Mícheál McCann: McCann’s debut collection, “Devotion,” beautifully explores queer domesticity through a tapestry of precise imagery and mythological allusions. This collection is both devasting and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

For fans of: Elizabeth Bishop’s Complete Poems, Frank O’Hara’s Meditations in an Emergency and Paul Stephenson’s Hard Drive

How “Devotion” Reshaped Contemporary Poetry
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Unveiling the World: 2023’s Most Gripping Novels

“Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals” by Maurice Casey: Casey transports readers to 1920s Moscow with this captivating account of three radical emigré women’s lives. “Hotel Lux” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of revolution and feminism, illuminating the often-overlooked role of queer feminist thought in the development of European socialism.

For fans of: Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City, Hilary Mantel’s A Place of Greater Safety and China Miéville’s October

“The Use of Photography” by Annie Ernaux & Marc Marie: Continuing her ascent as one of the most important literary voices of our time, Annie Ernaux collaborates with photographer Marc Marie in this poignant exploration of intimacy, fame, and battling cancer.

For fans of: Sinead Gleeson’s Constellations, Maggie Nelson’s The Argonauts and Susan Sontag’s On Photography

“Stone Yard Devotional” by Charlotte Wood: This overlooked Booker Prize finalist offers a masterful blend of disillusionment and the search for solace. Follow an unnamed narrator as she seeks refuge in a rural convent, only to find her past catching up with her in bizarre and enigmatic ways.

For fans of: Don DeLillo’s Point Omega, Catherine Lacey’s Nobody is Ever Missing and Valeria Luiselli’s Lost Children Archive

“Quickly, While They Still Have Horses” by Jan Carson: Jan Carson is a master of the uncanny, blending humor and heart to weave tales of the strange and unexpected in Northern Ireland. In “Quickly, While They Still Have Horses,” she dives into the realm of the surreal, exploring the lives of enigmatic characters who encounter unexpected forces, from faith healers to interdimensional portal slides.

For fans of: Roberto Bolaño’s Last Evenings on Earth, Jack Fennell’s [Ed.] Your Own Dark Shadow and George Saunders’ Civilwarland in Bad Decline

Brain Food: Delving into the World Of Non-Fiction

“Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind” by Mike Jay: A comprehensive history of drug use, “Psychonauts” embarks on a fascinating journey from 17th-century nitrous oxide discoveries to modern times. This meticulously researched work explores the complex history of psychoactive substances, offering a nuanced perspective on their classification and impact.

For fans of: Andy Letcher’s Shroom, Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind and Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life

Stories That Resonate: Collections To Explore

“Openings” by Lucy Caldwell: Lucy Caldwell’s latest collection of short stories is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by modern women. With her signature lyrical prose, Caldwell tackles themes of motherhood, career ambitions, social isolation, and the shifting dynamics of family life, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of “home.”

For fans of: Louis MacNeice’s Autumn Journal, Edna O’Brien’s The Love Object and Richard Yates’ Eleven Kinds of Loneliness

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Don’t miss out on these gems from 2023. Explore these overlooked literary treasures and discover the captivating world of